Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review



John Schlitt
The Grafting



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 41 minutes, 37 seconds
Street Date: June 24, 2008


John Schlitt, much like Mylon LeFever, was heavily involved in mainstream rock music in the 70s as well as having a severe drug addiction. John was the lead singer of Head East in 1972 and released a total of 5 albums. Of course, his greatest accomplishment in music was when he became the lead singer of Petra from 1986 to 2005. John participated as the lead singer for a total of 14 albums while also releasing two solo projects in the 90s. After 12 years, John Schlitt finally releases his third solo album, entitled The Grafting.

The album's first two songs, "Stand" and "Keep Your Light On," will definitely appease the fans of Petra. "Keep Your Light On" could have actually passed for a single on Petra's last album, Jekyll and Hyde. "Only Men" is a ballad that showcases some of John's great vocal capabilities. The song covers the issue of how all men, despite their accomplishments, cannot compare to Jesus. "The Grafting" is a song that is actually sung in a sort-of story format a la Mark Schulz: "They built their hope upon the future/ Married young, they bought a house, a car, a crib to suit her/ But years would pass without a baby / Until a miracle, a desperate girl reached out/ And love went on and on/ And they found that life came in the grafting".

Later, the album takes a different turn with "First Song," which is one of the weakest tracks on the album, sounding much like most of the hard rock ballads in the early 90s. Listen to Michael Sweet's first solo album a you'll get the idea. "Lord Have Mercy" is a nice praise and worship song that has a nice classical feel to it. "Gravity" has more of a rock edge than the other songs and is likely to be a favorite among Petra fans. "Carry On" is a style never heard before from John Schlitt, and it works very well with his vocal style. It's a very slow song, but is an album highlight as it gives the listener a sense of hope and encouragement.

This album seems to have an inconsistent feel to it as though it was a project worked on over a period of time like Petra's long time producer, John Elephante's Windows of Heaven, which released in 1995. Despite the inconsistencies, John Schlitt has an incredible voice comparable to Steve Perry of Journey. This album is definitely worth a listen. Petra came to an end in 2005, but I believe The Grafting will definitely please fans of Petra who are longing for a substitute.

- Review date: 6/1/08, written by Wayne Myatt



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: 4K Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 41 minutes, 37 seconds
. Street Date: June 24, 2008
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Stand
  2. Keep Your Light On
  3. Only Men
  4. Face Of God
  5. The Grafting
  6. First Song
  7. Your Eyes
  8. Lord Have Mercy
  9. Gravity
  10. Carry On
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images